After a long day of exploring, there is nothing better than a cold drink in a beautiful Milanese bar. Whether you want a classic Italian cocktail, a craft beer, or a glass of wine in a hidden cellar, Milan has the perfect spot. Here are the best bars in the city.
1. The Icons
Bar Basso This is a legendary spot. It is the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato (a Negroni made with sparkling wine instead of gin). They serve it in huge, famous glasses. It is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and cocktails.
Radetzky This bar has been around since 1988 and is still one of the coolest places in town. It is famous for its outdoor seating and its great aperitivo buffet, which includes focaccia and pizza.
2. Hidden Gems
Fonderie Milanesi This bar is hidden at the end of a small road inside an old metal factory. It has high ceilings and a beautiful garden patio. It is very popular with young people and has a great atmosphere.
N’Ombra de Vin This wine bar is located in an old 16th-century cellar that was once used by monks. It is a stunning place to sit underground and enjoy a world-class glass of Italian wine.
3. Craft Beer and Gin
Bere Buona Birra The name literally means “Drink Good Beer.” This is a small, simple shop in the Porta Romana area. They have many different craft beers from Italy and all over Europe. You can drink there or buy bottles to take home.
The Botanical Club If you love gin, this is your place. It is a stylish bar in the trendy Isola neighborhood. They even make their own gin on the premises, and the cocktail menu changes every month.
4. Stylish Views
Ceresio 7 For a fancy night out, head to the rooftop of the Dsquared2 fashion building. This bar has two swimming pools and a view of the Milan skyline. It is the best place to watch the sunset with a cocktail.
oTTo Located in Chinatown, this bar is very relaxed. During the day, people work here on their laptops. In the evening, it turns into a lively spot for wine and snacks. You order everything at the bar yourself.
5. Unique Experiences
Nottingham Forest This is one of the most famous cocktail bars in the world. The inside looks like a museum of strange objects from around the globe. The drinks are like science experiments—very creative and unique!
Cantine Isola A tiny, cozy wine shop in Chinatown. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling with wine bottles. It’s a great place to stand at the bar and talk to the friendly staff about their favorite wines.
Quick Tips for Nightlife
Aperitivo Hour: Most bars serve free snacks with your drink between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Dress Code: Milan is the city of fashion. You don’t need a suit, but “smart casual” (looking neat) is usually best for the nicer bars.
Walking: Many of the best bars are in neighborhoods like Brera, Navigli, or Isola. It is best to explore these areas on foot!